Andy Carroll could be back for West Ham in time for Christmas

A Christmas Carroll: Striker could be back in time for Crimbo (Image: Griffiths Photographers)

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West Ham are hoping Andy Carroll will play again before Christmas.

The England striker’s ­latest setback is a foot ­injury that West Ham are seeking specialist advice on treating.

Manager Sam Allardyce refused to put a timescale on Carroll’s absence, but sources at Upton Park ­believe he can make his return before Christmas.West Ham have sent striker Carroll to Belgium to begin a ­rehabilitation programme and hope the 24-year-old will not require surgery.

Signed from Liverpool for £15million in June, ­Carroll’s long-term ­absence has ­underlined West Ham’s worrying shortage of ­goalscorers.

The Hammers signed Mladen Petric on a free transfer last week, but he has just five Premier League goals to his name and is not fully fit.

Ricardo Vaz Te has scored six times in the top flight, while Modibo Maiga has netted twice in the Premier League.

Carlton Cole could still be offered a return to West Ham to help cover for ­Carroll’s absence if he can prove his fitness.